Six years ago, there was a memorable moment when Boris Johnson, with his distinctive mop of hair catching the sunlight, deceived the nation with false promises in Downing Street. He assured the public that the social care crisis would be permanently resolved. However, like his Conservative predecessors, Boris Johnson failed to deliver on his pledge as the broken care system continued to deteriorate, leaving millions more vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and children, in need of support today.

The need for care is inevitable for most people at some point in their lives, encompassing essential tasks such as washing, feeding, and offering emotional support. Unfortunately, the care system has plunged into turmoil as the UK’s population ages, with both NHS and council care facilities suffering from underfunding. The sector is plagued by around 110,000 job vacancies due to low wages, demanding work conditions, and long hours, leaving care workers inadequately compensated for their demanding and skilled roles.

Despite their crucial responsibilities of administering medication and feeding those in need, care workers often face verbal and physical abuse, threats, and violence while being underpaid and deprived of benefits like sick pay. This mistreatment leads many to leave the profession in pursuit of better-paying and less stressful opportunities in sectors like retail and hospitality.

The dependence on overseas care workers has prevented a collapse of the system, but many of these workers face exploitation by unscrupulous employers who coerce them into working without fair compensation and even make illegitimate demands for covering fake expenses. The government’s recent restrictions on new migrant care staff entering the UK, driven by immigration pressures, further exacerbate the challenges faced by the already strained care sector.

Efforts to reform the social care system have been delayed, with the government postponing a review until 2028. However, there are calls for the establishment of a National Care Service, a proposal long supported by unions. This initiative could establish equitable minimum standards for care across the board, but its success hinges on substantial investments to ensure dignified treatment for all individuals in need of care.

Addressing the deficiencies in the care sector requires decisive actions and substantial funding, particularly in terms of fair compensation for care workers to attract and retain talent. By demonstrating a commitment to improving social care, the Labour party can showcase its readiness to govern responsibly and effectively for the benefit of the working population.